Loud Thunder Forest Preserve History

Loud Thunder began in 1944 with the purchase of 1,240-acre ranch from Charles Searle. Adjacent properties were later purchased creating the existing park totaling 1,621 acres.

The development of the preserve started in the 1950's with the creation of campgrounds, trails, and parking lots. In 1967, the Big Branch Creek that ran through the preserve was dammed to create Lake George.